PHOENIX – One of the biggest offseason questions for the Arizona Diamondbacks was answered on Thursday, as manager Torey Lovullo has signed a two-year deal to come back to the franchise, per MLB.com writer Steve Gilbert.
Is bringing Torey Louvllo back to Arizona a good move for the D-backs?
BREAKING: The @Dbacks will be retaining manager Torey Lovullo per sources.
— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) October 1, 2026
For a franchise that has spent the past few seasons trying to recapture the magic of its 2023 World Series run, that continuity could matter more than people realize. Lovullo agreed to a two-year deal that will keep him in Arizona through at least 2028. The decision comes after the Diamondbacks finished 86-76 in 2026 but missed the postseason for a third consecutive year. That makes the decision debatable, but it does not make it difficult to understand.
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo watches his team from the dugout as they play the Seattle Mariners at Chase Field in Phoenix on June 10, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Lovullo has spent nearly a decade building relationships inside the organization. Since taking over in 2017, he has become Arizona’s winningest manager, compiling a 750-768 regular-season record while winning National League Manager of the Year in his first season and taking the Diamondbacks to the 2023 World Series. More importantly, Lovullo has established himself as the bridge between players, coaches, and the front office. His long-standing relationship with general manager Mike Hazen gives Arizona organizational continuity at a time when changing managers would mean starting that process over. After the season, Lovullo made his feelings clear: He wanted to be somewhere he was wanted.
May 14, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo watches his team take on the San Francisco Giants during the second inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
The Diamondbacks just answered him. That does not mean Lovullo should escape scrutiny. Arizona has missed the playoffs three straight years, and another disappointing season would inevitably put pressure on everyone involved. But the manager shouldn’t automatically become the scapegoat for every roster flaw, injury, or front-office decision. The Diamondbacks believe Lovullo remains part of the solution. Now, the two-year deal gives him a chance to prove it.
Mar 11, 2024; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, Arizona, USA; Arizona manager Torey Lovullo (17) before a game against the Oakland Athletics at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
